In This Issue
• 18ft Skiffs Queen of the Harbour 2024
• Antigua Superyacht Challenge Wraps Up
• Yacht Racing Forum Sets Sail for Amsterdam on November 20-22
• GBR IRC Championships 2024
• 2nd Cascais Dragon Winter Series
• DBSC Introduces New Non-Spinnaker Rating
• Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
• Bob Johnstone Awarded US Sailing's Herreshoff Trophy
• Virtual Regatta and the Globe40 Launch a 2nd Virtual Edition
• Featured Charter: McConaghy 75 - JACK
• Featured Brokerage:
• • ClubSwan 36-019 ‘Skorpidi’
• • Super Maxi 86 - 'Way Of Life'
• • Neel 51
• • 2017 J/V Pac52 “Warrior Won”
• • Volvo 70 - Ocean Breeze
• The Last Word: W. H. Auden

Brought to you by Seahorse magazine and YachtScoring.com EuroSail News is a digest of sailing news and opinions, regatta results, new boat and gear information and letters from sailors -- with a European emphasis. Contributions welcome, send to

18ft Skiffs Queen of the Harbour 2024
The Sixt team of Tash Bryant, Maddy McLeay, Lily Richardson and Lucy Copeland. Photo by Jess Nearn. Click on image for photo gallery.

The annual 18ft skiffs Queen of the Harbour race has been around on Sydney Harbour for nearly 100 years and is usually won by a female member of the handicap-winning crew, but in today's race the winning queen, Lucy Copeland became the first winner as part of an all-female crew to win the award.

Lucy became the 2024 Queen when she teamed with Tash Bryant, Maddy McLeay and Lily Richardson on Sixt to score a dramatic 1sec. victory over the Shaw and Partners Financial Services team of Emma Rankin, Cam McDonald, Tom Quigley and 'queen' Emma Tallis.

Marine Outlet (Brett Van Munster, Charlie Gundy, John Walton and 'queen' Yasmin Christenson) a further 1m3s back in third place ahead of Smeg (Nathan McNamara, Jed Cruikshank, Jack Taylor and 'queen' Karen Benson), which was actually the first team to complete the course after the scratch start.

Burrawang-Young Henrys, which was also skippered by another female, Maria-Luisa Coulson, finished in fifth place followed by Lazarus (Marcus Ahley-Jones) and Queensland's Big Foot Bags and Covers (Dave Hayter).

The female participation and success is unprecedented and original organisers of the event would not believe the levels now being reached.

The race was sailed in a very light Easterly breeze between 5-8 knots over a three-lap windward-return course set between Clark Island off Double Bay and Shark Island off Rose Bay.

This was the final race of the 2023-24 season. Racing will recommence in October.

To view some of the fantastic 2023-24 season racing, particularly the action from the Winnings 2024 JJ Giltinan (World) Championship, go to https://18footers.com and click on the '18 FOOTERS TV' button. -- Frank Quealey, Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

18footers.com

Antigua Superyacht Challenge Wraps Up
Dykstra schooner Adela. Photo by Claire Matches, clairematches.com. Click on image to enlarge.

The 13th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) was held in fantastic conditions off the South Coast of Antigua with Tradewinds ranging from 13-20 knots. Five days of racing were held rounding deep water and inshore marks, making full use of Antigua's ocean swell and stunning coastal vistas.

While superyachts race to win their class, there is no mathematical overall winner. Each competing yachts, and the race committee, cast one vote for the yacht that has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore. The winner lifts The Gosnell Trophy.

For the 2024 edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, the Gosnell Trophy was presented by Arthur & Page Gosnell . Voting was unanimous, the winner was the 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela skippered by Greg Perkins.

The Rebecca Trophy was awarded to the 108ft (33m) Hoek designed sloop Namuun, skippered by Tom Aiken. Toby Allies & Mike Carr from Pendennis Shipyard presented the trophy to the regatta debutant on St. Patrick's Day. Namuun is based in Antigua but has more than a sprinkling of Irish sailors on board. Toby Allies congratulated the organisers for running a safe and memorable regatta, and commended Namuun for their great attitude to racing.

Superyacht Challenge Antigua co-founder Stan Pearson was present in spirit throughout the regatta. Stan sadly passed away just a few weeks before the start. After his burial at sea flanked by superyachts, a memorial was held in Nelson's Dockyard with hundreds of the sailing community in attendance. Stan will always be remembered for his tremendous work, love and enthusiasm for sailing. A deep water mark 'Stan' has been named in his memory. Three cheers were given Stan at the prizegiving and the whole of Nelson's Dockyard heard it.

Superyacht Challenge Antigua co-founder Paul Deeth has confirmed the dates for the 14th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, which will be held 04-11 March, 2025.

superyachtchallengeantigua.com

Yacht Racing Forum Sets Sail for Amsterdam on November 20-22
The worlds' leading conference dedicated to the sport of sailing is delighted to announce the official launch of its 14th edition. The event will take place alongside METSTRADE and will gather the finest minds and talents in the yachting industry for three days of intense discussions, networking opportunities and strategic collaborations.

Mark your calendars for November 20-22 as the Yacht Racing Forum 2024 prepares to make waves in Amsterdam, alongside the METSTRADE fair.

The 14th edition of the event will once again serve as a pivotal platform for industry professionals to explore and discuss the latest trends, innovations and challenges shaping the world of yacht racing, offering unparalleled networking and business opportunities.

Attendees can anticipate gaining valuable insights from leading experts, exchanging best practices, and cultivating invaluable connections with peers worldwide.

"We are excited to bring the Yacht Racing Forum to Amsterdam, in collaboration with the METSTRADE fair," expressed Bernard Schopfer, the event organiser. "By co-locating with the world's biggest maritime trade show, we aim to create a synergistic platform for discussions on the future of yacht racing. This partnership will enhance participation and also significantly reduce the event's carbon footprint. We eagerly await the diverse participation from around the world, promising an inspiring event for all."

The Yacht Racing Forum 2024 invites all stakeholders, including event organisers, sponsors, yacht clubs, sailors, technical providers, designers, engineers and media representatives to join this unparalleled gathering.

Early bird registration for the Yacht Racing Forum 2024 is available until April 30.

Register now and save 100 EUR.

GBR IRC Championships 2024
IRC's 40th year sees the GBR IRC National Championship leave the Solent for the first time; in 2024 it will be held at 'International' Poole Regatta over the spring bank holiday 25-27 May, with 3 days of racing in beautiful Poole Bay plus après race entertainment every day. Early bird discounted entry fees apply until 13 April so those wishing to be part of this special event are advised to enter soon!

NOR and Entry at pooleregatta.co.uk

Do you fancy a change from your local club racing? GBR IRC Championships offer a variety of opportunities to race within different fleets and discover exciting new racing venues and challenges, as well as have the chance to win Spinlock prizes.

In addition, GBR IRC Regional Champions have the opportunity to race for free at the following year's GBR IRC National Championship.

To whet your appetite, here is the 2024 Championship calendar for May:

IRC Welsh National Championship
Pwllheli, Cardigan Bay Celtic Regatta
17-19 May 2024
ircwelshchamps.com

IRC Double Handed National Championship
RORC, Cowes
18 May 2024 - De Guingand Bowl
25 May 2024 - Myth of Malham
rorc.org

IRC Scottish Championship
Tarbert, Loch Fyne; Clyde Cruising Club
24-27 May 2024
scottishseries.co.uk

IRC National Championship
'International' Poole Regatta, Combined Yacht Clubs of Poole
25-27 May 2024
pooleregatta.co.uk

rorcrating.com

2nd Cascais Dragon Winter Series
The 2nd Cascais Dragon Winter Series took place from the 15th to the 17th of March, organized by the Clube Naval de Cascais.

With three scheduled races for the first day of the championship and with a less encouraging weather forecast, the fleet made up of 13 dragons, from 7 nations, managed to complete the program with the wind from the south with 6 to 9 knots of intensity, sometimes with light fog. .

Louise Racing, captained by Grant Gordon and supported by Olympic silver medalist Luke Patience, Faye Chatterton and Elliot Hanson, did not leave much of a margin to the other competitors by take two bullets out of the three races on the first day.

For the last day of the championship, with three races scheduled, and the 7 best teams separated by 8 points, all scenarios were possible. Unfortunately, after waiting 2 hours ashore for wind conditions to race and also after the fleet sent out, the Race Committee decided to call an end to the day and consequently the championship.

With no changes to the overall, Grant Gordon's Louise Racing thus became the winner of the 2nd Cascais Dragon Winter Series. The Scottish team was followed by Ivan Bradburry's Blue Haze and then Xavier Vanneste's Belgian boat Herbie. The first Conrinthian boat, the first amateur team, was Guy Celis' White Pearl team with Katrien Lagey and Steven Vermiere.

The next event of the Cascais Dragon Winter Series Circuit will be the His Majesty King Juan Carlos Trophy, which will take place from the 19th to the 21st of April in Cascais. The best Dragon class teams in the world are expected to compete for one of the most prestigious Dragon class trophies.

Results

regatas.cncascais.com

DBSC Introduces New Non-Spinnaker Rating to Promote White Sails Racing in Dublin Bay
Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) has recently announced the introduction of a new non-spinnaker rating for CR4 and CR5 to promote white sails racing in Dublin Bay.

The move comes following the success of the VPRS rating system in the Sports Boats Class, which has been expanded to other classes. With a certificate costing only 25 Euros and no need to get a boat measured, it means that those who do not need IRC ratings can get certified at a much lower cost.

Commodore Ed Totterdell explained, "For the 2024 season, boats currently competing in CR4 and CR5 will be able to compete in a new VPRS Division. This will promote non-spinnaker racing in DBSC by opening another area of competition and fun for all."

DBSC Commodore Ed Totterdell has launched a special Under 30s discount for Dublin Bay racing DBSC Commodore Ed Totterdell Photo: Michael Chester

Applying for a VPRS Certificate couldn't be easier, say the organisers, and DBSC has put a link on their membership form for those who need to obtain one.

Any DBSC Cr4 or CR5 member who needs more information is welcome to contact DBSC by emailing .

The move is expected to promote non-spinnaker racing in Dublin Bay, offering a fair opportunity for all class members.

The new rating system will ensure that boat characteristics, rather than crew performance, are the primary focus in DBSC racing.

The initiative is expected to be welcomed by racing enthusiasts and could lead to more participants joining the races in the future.

afloat.ie/sail/

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
The 2024 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta digital program is now available at antiguaclassics.com

As well as many stunning photographs from past regattas, there's a special feature on Adix - The Belle of the Ball that provides a glimpse of the majestic three-masted schooner's illustrious journey to become a symbol of maritime heritage. There are also interesting articles such as The History of the Classic Regatta that chronicles the development of the event from its humble beginnings back in 1987 to its current status as a maritime showcase and one on the Carriacou sloop, Summer Cloud that follows her from the beach in Petit Martinique, where she was launched through being re-rigged as a racing sloop to the restoration now underway that will return her to her roots.

Dock space at Nelson's Dockyard is filling up quickly! Register today and join in on the rich heritage of classic yachts and the camaraderie of those who sail them at the 2024 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.

To register go to antiguaclassics.com and click on Register.

Bob Johnstone Awarded US Sailing's Herreshoff Trophy
Bob Johnstone with Youth Championship Chair Malinda Crain. Photo by Lexi Pline / US Sailing. Click on image to enlarge.

Robert L. Johnstone, lll has been named the 2023 recipient of the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy, US Sailing's most prestigious annual award, going to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing in this country in any associated activity. Presentation of the Trophy is planned during the 2024 US Youth Championship in Bristol, RI June 22-25.

The recipient is selected by the Board of Directors from nominations made by US Sailing members.

Bob Johnstone's legacy in sailing is extensive. Along with his yacht designer brother Rod, he co-founded J Boats Inc., one of sailing's leading performance brands, with five World Sailing International Classes and thousands of boats being sailed at all levels of the sport from grassroots to World Championships. After starting fleets of Solings and 470's in Wilmette IL, he revived Sunfish sales with AMF Alcort, then used marketing skills, honed at The Quaker Oats Company, to create the J/24 phenomenon, the first of 21 J/Boat designs to be awarded Boat-of-the Year or win Sailboat Hall of Fame honors. Fifteen thousand J Boats of all sizes have been built, including about 5,700 J/24s. J/Boats and MJM Yachts stories are documented in Bob's new book, Maverick Marketer.

Besides a legacy in the boat design and marketing world, Johnstone has a longstanding connection with US Sailing, having been a member of US Sailing's Board of Directors, and chaired both the One-Design Class and Industry Councils.

He and his wife, the Reverend Mary Johnstone, reside in Charleston, South Carolina. He is a member of Carolina, Charleston and New York Yacht Clubs and the Northeast Harbor Fleet, where he has been Commodore.

His current focus is racing in a fleet of radio-controlled DF95 sailboats twice weekly on the local Bishop Gadsden Pond while pursuing his latest vision: creating a pilot middle-school RC sailing education program, based on US Sailing's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Reach Program, as a model for a national rollout to any community with a 150' x 250' pond.

ussailing.org

Virtual Regatta and the Globe40 Launch a 2nd Virtual Edition
The famous virtual game, which gathered together over a million participants in the last Vendee Globe, needs no introduction. As such, Virtual Regatta and the GLOBE40 have renewed their partnership to launch the 2nd virtual edition of the GLOBE40 with a first course in 2024/ 2025, one year before the real-life edition in 2025/2026.

As with the 2021/2022 edition, this virtual 'warm-up' will be launched in late August 2024 and it will mirror the dates of the real-life version, which will take place a year later and includes a prologue and 6 legs. It will enable enthusiasts of the round the world race to do a recce of the course and showcase the stopover venues in the process. The real-life edition in 2025/2026 will also be accompanied by a virtual race.

An overall total of 578,000 players participated in the two races organised for the debut edition of the race.

The prize for the winner of the overall ranking of the virtual 2024/2025 course will be a return trip for two to Reunion Island, which is one of the race stopover venues. Equally, the winner of each leg and the winner of the draw, will each receive a rucksack from our partner Helly Hansen.

globe40.com

Featured Charter
McConaghy 75 - JACK.

The 2023 McConaghy 75 sailing catamaran JACK is available for charter with her 4 crew members for up to 8 guests.

2024 Planning:
July/August: Greece
September/Oct: Spain

Navigation under e-Charter licence (28 days) in Greece this summer then she will head back to Barcelona for the America's Cup (high season rate during that period)

Charter Rate (High Season): 70 000 EUR / week
Charter Rate (Low Season): 65 000 EUR / week

See listing details in Seahorse Charters

Contact
Charter Department
Bernard-Gallay
Phone : +33 (0)467 66 39 93
Mail :

See the the Seahorse charter collection

Featured Brokerage
ClubSwan 36-019 ‘SKORPIDI’. PRICE REDUCTION - 395,000 EUR. Located in Culpe, Spain

The ClubSwan 36 is akin to a modern supercar, allowing you to reach exceptional limits in total control – the extraordinary sensation of surfing at over 20 knots in total safety needs to be experienced to be believed.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Jerome Mainemare

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Super Maxi 86 - WAY OF LIFE. 700,000 EUR. Located in Koper, Slovenia.

Incredible Super Maxi 86 yacht, originally MORNING GLORY. With full CBTF technology (canting keel), she has a recent refit and standing rigging under her belt. She is ready for her next owner.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Ben Cooper
Berthon UK
Tel: 0044 (0)1590 679 222
E-Mail:

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2018 Neel 51. 899000 EUR. Located in Almeria, Spain.

Fully bluewater-equipped 4-cabin plus 2 crew-cabin Neel 51 trimaran offered for sale in great condition and with just one private owner since new. The perfect solution for crossing oceans with speed and in comfort and enjoying a great all-round cruising platform.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Lucio Pellegrini
Tel: +34 675 236 174
Email:

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2017 J/V Pac52 "Warrior Won". POA USD.

2017 J/V Pac52 "Warrior Won", one of the worlds most potent offshore racing yachts is for sale.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Collin Leon
+1.516.361.9156

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Volvo 70 - Ocean Breeze. 370,000 EUR. Located in Caribbean, Mediterranean, USA.

Volvo 70 Ocean Breeze, formerly Telefonica Blue and Sanya Lan, competed in the 2008-2009 and 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race Round the World.

At the launch the Volvo Open 70 was not a singular yacht design but a set of design rules to which competing boats must adhere. Competing teams design and build boats within the scope of this rule to try and come up with the fastest boat . The Volvo 70 repeatedly broke monohull speed record and Volvo 70’s held the record for over 10 years. The Volvo 70 was replaced in the Ocean race in 2014/15 by the Volvo 65 but the Volvo 70 live on and are regular seen on the race course competition at the highest level around the world.

Ocean Breeze is a Volvo 70 designed and built for high performance, long distance offshore racing at the highest level. Ocean Breeze is a great example of a pure-bred racing machine, ready to endure the toughest of conditions. Ocean Breeze had a comprehensive refit in 2018 and is continually maintained.

See listing details in Seahorse's RaceboatsOnly

Contact
Lucy Jackson - LV Yachting
Call: +44 (0) 20 3920 6261
Email:
lvyachting.com lvyachting.com/yachts/volvo-70-ocean-breeze-sale/

See the RaceboatsOnly.com collection at seahorsemagazine.com/brokerage/

The Last Word
Evil is unspectacular and always human, and shares our bed and eats at our own table. -- W. H. Auden

Editorial and letter submissions to

Advertising inquiries to Graeme Beeson: or see eurosailnews.com/advertise/